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27 November 2016

REVIEW: AKG K52 Headphones

Meanwhile,
in the studio...

With
an increasing number of people out there creating their own content –
be it for a blog, website, YouTube, or just for the sheer hell of it
– there is a greater demand for professional quality kit at
affordable prices. Looking for a pair of headphones that would not
only let us hear everything we tinker with during a video and audio
edit, but also keep the sound from drifting into the ears of
passers-by, we checked out the AKG K52 Headphones by Harman.

Despite
the relatively low price, these over-ear wired headphones pack quite
a punch. First up, the design seems to be as minimal as possible,
with a thin flexible headband connected to each can, with a suspended
cushioned pad for your head. The band is adjustable, so once the
headphones are on they are very comfortable to wear for extended
periods. Which is kind of the point.

AKG
are clearly aiming at musicians and sound editors with these, be they
professionals or not. As well as being comfortable and immersive,
they feature a closed-back functionality. This basically means that
there is almost no sound leak at all from them, even at quite high
volume levels. This makes them perfect for studio work (as the mics
don't pick up feedback from the cans), and also for editing out in
public. If you like to mix your latest track while sipping espresso
in your local coffee shop, you need not worry about bothering other
people with the annoying tish tish tish from your headphones.

And
it genuinely does work very well. With music blaring (to a safe
level) on one of our number's head, we were unable to hear it leaking
out, even at relatively close distances. So great for recording work
and making voice-overs, and for general courtesy. Which is so rock
and roll.

In
terms of use, the AKG K52 Headphones reproduce an incredible amount
of detail: far more than we were expecting from headphones of this
price. Everything sounded exceptionally well balanced, and there is
no evidence of any bullshit tinkering to make things sound beefier
and bassier, à la Beats Headphones. High and lows were crisp and
clear, but it was the sheer amount of intricate detail that could be
picked up that made them stand out. A lot of that is aided by the
secure fit over the ears, the leatherette cushions, and closed-back
design.

As
we said, they're wired, coming with a standard 3.5mm jack and no
other way of connecting. That shouldn't really be an issue though, as
these are certainly not designed for anything other than sitting and
listening to/recording your music. Try going for a jog in these and
you'll look like a massive prat.

But
hey... they're around £30. That's pretty unbelievable considering
what the AKG K52 Headphones are and what they can achieve. Even if
you have no intention of recording or editing music, get them simply
as a solid pair of cans what reproduce your favourite tracks cleaning
and truthfully. A great pair indeed.

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The Test Pit is a place where all manner of things get tested... often to destruction. Gadgets, technology, toys, and clothing - all are fair game in the Pit. Our reviews are honest, jargon-free, and funny. Well, we try...